Article Translations: (Spanish)
People who have type 2 diabetes have a hard time using glucose (sugar) from food for energy.
After we eat, carbohydrates in food break down into glucose. When glucose enters the bloodstream, blood sugar levels go up. When it does, the pancreas sends insulin into the blood. Insulin helps open cells throughout the body to let glucose in, giving the cells the energy they need.
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes insulin, but the cells don’t respond to it as they should. This is called insulin resistance. When glucose can’t get into cells, the blood sugar level rises. Then the pancreas works harder to make even more insulin. At first, the extra insulin keeps sugars in the normal range. But over time, the pancreas can’t keep up, and the blood sugars stay high. When blood sugars stay high, the person may have type 2 diabetes.
Learn the basics in 90 seconds.
No one knows for sure why some people get type 2 diabetes, but it’s likely a combination of genes and the environment. Many teens who get it have someone in their family who has it too.
Type 2 diabetes happens more often in people:
Many people with insulin resistance have dark patches on their skin, especially in skin folds like those around the neck or in the armpits. This is called acanthosis nigricans, or simply acanthosis, and it’s often an early sign that a person may develop type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes can show up in different ways. Some people have symptoms, but others don’t. Someone with diabetes symptoms may:
Doctors may check for diabetes if a person has symptoms or risk factors, like being overweight and having acanthosis. Different kinds of blood tests can check for diabetes, including:
The doctor uses the results from one or more of these tests to tell if the person has diabetes. The doctor can order other tests to find out if it is type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Teens with type 2 diabetes often go to a pediatric endocrinologist for treatment. This kind of doctor treats problems affecting hormones, like diabetes. They also may see a dietitian, diabetes educator, or weight management specialist.
The goal of treatment for type 2 diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Treatment usually includes:
Not having the right amount of sugar in the blood can lead to:
Sometimes people who have diabetes feel different from their friends because they need to think about how they eat and how to control their blood sugar levels every day.
Some teens with diabetes want to deny that they even have it. They might hope that if they ignore diabetes, it will just go away. They may feel angry, depressed, or helpless, or think that their parents are constantly worrying about their diabetes management.
If you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it's normal to feel like your world has been turned upside down. Your diabetes care team is there to provide answers and support. Don't hesitate to ask your doctors, dietitian, and other treatment professionals for advice and tips. It also can help to find support groups where you can talk about your feelings and find out how other teens cope.
Diabetes brings challenges, but teens who have it play sports, travel, date, go to school, and work just like their friends.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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